Naharlagun:-The hardworking Apatani Community is marching ahead in all fields including academics said Gegong Apang, Chief Minister and the joyful and eager participation of all the people of community of the twin capital, coming from various walks of life, reflects the unity of the community.

The Chief Minister was addressing as the Chief guest , a huge gathering of people, on the occasion of Dree Festival Celebration, today at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun. Apang while speaking of his longstanding and deep attachment with the Apatani Community, extended greetings to the people , on the occasion. He called upon the people to carry forward the tribe's vibrant & rich culture and tradition, while adding that Dree Festival is also one of the cultural identity of the Apatani Community. Dree , is an agriculture based festival Apang said adding that the Apatanis are an agriculturally advanced tribe. The Chief Minister further appreciated the noble effort of the NGO, Career Guidance Forum- for starting the Career Guidance Forum academic Awards for the meritorious of
Apatani students of class X & XII to promote academic excellence among the students of the community.

Earlier the Chief Minister gave away CGF awards to the meritorious students of class X & XII of the community for the previous Academic year.

Apang also announced an amount of Rs.50000/-(Rupees Fifty Thousand) for the Dree Festival Committee and Rs. 21000/- (Rupees Twenty One Thousand) for the cultural troupes , as a token of his appreciation.
Lechi Legi, Mininster for P.W.D., speaking as the Guest of Honour, appreciated the Apatani Community for keeping alive their culture & tradition intact, despite the onslaught of modernity. He also announced a sum of Rs 10,000/-( Rupees Ten Thousand) , for the cultural troupes , as a token of his appreciation. The heavy downpour failed to dampen the festive spirit & mood of the people and cultural items, both traditional and modern were performed beautifully braving the heavy rain.

Release of Dree Souvenir, Audio Albums & Documentary Film, Announcement of Dree Gift Coupon result , Community Feast were the other highlights of the celebration.

The Capital complex Dree festival Committee's chairman Er. Hage Apa gave the welcome , where he gave a brief background & history of the Dree Festival. The Dree Festival is celebrated for Bumper Harvest by the Apatani community. While the General Secretary Er. Nani Chilyang, gave the vote of thanks.